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The River in the Sky

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The River in the Sky is a profound, book-length poem by Clive James, written during his final years. Confined by ill health yet possessing a liberated mind, James embarks on a reflective journey through the treasured moments and cultural riches of his life. The poem weaves personal memories, such as listening to jazz with his future wife, alongside grander cultural experiences like Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and the modern expanses of YouTube. With honesty and generosity, James explores life's meaning and celebrates the beauty found in family, art, and the world around him.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in poetry, memoir, and cultural reflection, especially those drawn to thoughtful explorations of life, death, and art. Fans of lyrical and autobiographical poetry will find this a moving and inspiring read.

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A soaring autobiographical poem, meditating on death and celebrating life, from one of our most cherished, critically acclaimed and bestselling writers.

A meditation on death and life from one of our most cherished, critically acclaimed and bestselling writers.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

One of the most important and influential writers of our time Sunday Times

Clive James has been close to death for several years, and he has written about the experience in a series of deeply moving poems. In Sentenced to Life, he was clear-sighted as he faced the end, honest about his regrets. In Injury Time, he wrote about living well in the time remaining, focusing our attention on the joys of family and art, and celebrating the immediate beauty of the world.

At the opening of The River in the Sky, a book-length poem, we find James in ill health but high spirits. Although his body traps him in his Cambridge house, his mind is free to roam.

The River in the Sky takes us on a grand tour of "the fragile treasures of his life". Animated by powerful recollections, James presents a flowing stream of vivid images. He moves from emotionally resonant personal moments, such as listening to jazz records with his future wife, to unforgettable encounters with all kinds of culture: Beethoven's Ninth Symphony sits alongside YouTube's vast cosmopolis.

As ever with James, he shares his passions with enormous generosity, making brilliant and original connections, and fearlessly tackling the biggest questions: the meaning of life and how to live it. In the end, what emerges from this autobiographical epic is a soaring work of exceptional depth and overwhelming feeling, a new marvel for the modern age.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised as a 'superb, epic lament' by The New York Times, The River in the Sky is recognised for its intellectual agility and emotional depth. Critics commend James's masterful storytelling and vivid imagery, highlighting the poem's flowing structure and its poignant meditation on mortality and joy. Described as a vital contribution to modern poetry, the work captures the pleasures of life even in the shadow of death, affirming James as one of the most vital English-language poets.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509887248

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 September 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Picador

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 11.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 166g

Pages: 128

About the Author

Clive James is the multi-million-copy bestselling author of more than forty books. His poetry collection Sentenced to Life and his translation of Dante's The Divine Comedy were both Sunday Times top ten bestsellers, and his collections of verse have been shortlisted for many prizes. In 2012 he was appointed CBE and in 2013 an Officer of the Order of Australia.

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